A WOMAN who battled with severe mental health problems is planning to jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet to raise money for the mental health charity that helped her.

Lizi Walker, 43, from Norton, is doing a skydive in Bridlington on May 28 to raise funds for Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Mind (SWR Mind) - despite admitting she is “petrified” of heights.

She said she was helped through the difficult time in her life by SWR Mind community support worker Sharon Van Ee, from the charity’s Side by Side project.

She said: “SWR Mind have been brilliant, they listened and helped me understand myself and get back on my feet. Their help made such a massive difference to me and I feel like I’ve been given a new lease of life.

“They were my only support in helping me get through the toughest time in my life and for this I will always be grateful.

“There is not enough funding for mental health. I want to give something back for all their help and support and it is rewarding to know I will be helping someone else.

“The sky dive is going to a massive adrenaline buzz as you free fall for half of the jump.

“I am petrified of heights, but if I’m facing my fears I might as well face them all.”

Sophie Hall, CEO of SWR Mind, said: “It’s amazing that Lizi - who is afraid of heights - is doing a parachute jump for us. It’s a massive challenge and we are really grateful.

“I hope that by Lizi sharing her story, it shows people that things can get better and it gives hope for all of us who struggle with our mental health.”

Ms Walker has a fundraising target of £375. To donate, visit her Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/elizabeth-walker2017

Side by Side is SWR Mind’s flagship service. It provides tailored, one-to-one support with a staff member, volunteer or both, on a short, medium or long-term basis.